News

Central Iowa Flooding

Due to recent heavy rains we wanted to bring together the information you may need as you go through the Independence weekend. Below you will find closures and flooding information; this will be updated as more information becomes available or expires. There are also links included in case you are looking for more information.

The forecast is for dry weather through the day on Friday, July 4. Then there is the possibility of rain later Friday and into Saturday. Keep safe this weekend by watching the weather on our partner KCCI’s website, here is a link to the forecast and radar.

Please also remember that this is not the time to be swimming in rivers, streams or lakes that are affected by high waters. Rushing water and undertows can quickly sweep you away. There have already been a number of water deaths this year. Please be careful. And as always, if you are driving and find a barricade due to flooding, please do not pass it. Instead, turn around, don’t drown.

-Kate Garner, News Director

There are flood warnings in effect for: Des Moines River, Raccoon River, Skunk and South Skunk Rivers, and the Iowa River in Central Iowa – crests are expected sometime between Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening, as long as there is not more heavy rain. For more on flooding around the state, see the National Weather Service website.

The lake has been inundated by both water and debris from upstream tributaries. The level is currently at 873 feet and expected to crest at 881. Due to the need to continue to release water there may be flooding downstream on the Des Moines River, however this should not cause widespread property damage.

Because of debris, Saylorville Lake Operations Manager Jeff Rose is advising boaters to stay off the lake, as not all debris can be seen from above. Otherwise, the information needed for a visit to Saylorville this weekend follows.